Report: Everton in talks with Stoke over swap involving Badou N'Diaye

Everton are reportedly in talks with Stoke City over a potential swap deal involving Badou N’Diaye and Ashley Williams.

Badou Ndiaye of Stoke City reacts during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Brighton and Hove Albion at Bet365 Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Stoke on Trent, England.

According to a report from Sky Sports’ live transfer blog (01/08; 19:20), Everton have now begun talks with Stoke regarding a potential swap deal involving Ashley Williams and Badou N’Diaye.

The Toffees are looking for their third signing of the summer, with Richarlison and Lucas Digne already arriving through the Goodison Park door. And it appears that Silva is hoping that N’Diaye will prove to be that third addition.

N’Diaye only arrived at the bet365 Stadium in January for £14 million, according to Sky Sports, but is now keen to move on following the Potters’ relegation to the Championship, and hopes to secure a switch back to the top flight.

According to Sky Sports’ live blog (01/08; 19:20), Gary Rowett is considering letting N’Diaye move on as the two clubs are now in talks over a move that will see the Senegal international head to Merseyside and Ashley Williams head the other way.

Everton manager Marco Silva during the Pre-Season Friendly at Gigg Lane on July 18, 2018 in Bury, England.

Williams has struggled to win over the Everton fans during his time on Merseyside and it is unlikely that there will be too many supporters that will be particularly disappointed to see the Welshman leave if he does move on.

It would arguably put more pressure on Silva to get more centre-backs in before the deadline, but if the Toffees can offload a player that has struggled for a while and use him to land one of their targets, then it has to be considered a great deal for all parties.

Ashley Williams of Everton during the Pre-Season Friendly at Gigg Lane on July 18, 2018 in Bury, England.